In a matter of weeks, our globe found itself communally affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We watched as nations buckled down and reacted to the pandemic as it escalated at an incredible speed. Millions of United States citizens are staying home to keep themselves and others safe. It's a national movement that demands all of us to participate. But, what about those on the front lines? Essential workers are still clocking in for a full shift to ensure our country has medical care, groceries, electricity, gas, and our other essential needs. So, what could we do? We certainly couldn't stand by and watch.
As you may know, our company is family owned and operated and has been for nearly a decade. My dad started this business in the basement of our home when I was in middle school. I've watched as he has grown this small hobby of his into a fully developed and growing business that my entire family has become apart of. I've learned over the years that his work ethic is unmatched by any I've ever met. So when this virus started ripping through our nation, I could see how painful it was for him to sit back and wait for it to all blow over.
During our first week of our Stay At Home order, we met up for bike rides (staying a minimum of 6 feet apart, of course) and couldn't resist treating ourselves to ice cream at our local convenience store. What we saw that day sparked an idea into my dad's head that would bring about the creation of our AcryliGuards™. As we walked into the little store, the kind ladies behind the counter greeted us per usual. What was a bit off, though, was the thin sheet of plastic hanging from the ceiling that dangled just in front of their smiles. Of course, some much needed protection against sneezes and coughs! As I graciously accepted my double scoop of chocolate ice cream, I could see out of the corner of my eye steam pouring from my dad's ears, as his mental gears were turning away, no doubt thinking up a way to improve their method here. I maybe had time to sit down on the sun warmed curb and take one lick of sweet icy goodness before hearing the usual words: "We could totally do that, but I've got a few ideas."
Shortly after, we launched AcryliGuards™ on our website.
As a plastic fabrication company, it made perfect sense to us that we should use our capabilities to provide much needed protection to essential workers who continue to smile at all of us behind the counter. So, we're making AcryliGuards™ that are freestanding, portable and perfect for counter tops or desktops. AcryliGuards™ are also easy to assemble and can be taken down quickly if you need to move it to another location.
AcryliGuards™ are 27” wide and have 7.5" deep side supports. What we take some pride in, though, is the fact that you can adjust the height of your AcryliGuard™ whenever you want without having to buy an entirely new product. The front panel of each AcryliGuard™ can be adjusted to three different heights: 37" (adjusting to this height will create a 6" gap between your counter and the front panel), 34" (adjusting to this height will create a 3" gap between the counter and the front panel), or 31" (with no gap). Changing the height is simple and quick!
Of course, the actual acrylic is pretty cool, too:
- Laser-Cut Cast Acrylic
- Clear, Polished Edges
- 10 times more impact resistant than glass
- 50% lighter than glass
- 92% light transmission
- Will not yellow after long exposure to sun
- Better Optical Clarity than other clear plastics
- FDA, USDA, and NSF compliant
- Meets many local, city, state, and government regulatory building codes
- Cleans easily with soap & water. No need for abrasive cleaners or alcohol/ammonia.
- Customize with your photo, logo, or text -- just contact us at contact@picfoams.com
Our mission has always been to offer affordable products that our customers love. Now, we want to do that as well as provide something that makes essential workers feel more comfortable as they ensure our country stays sustained. And that certainly brings us happiness.
If this is the perfect fit for you, that's great! We'd be happy to help! Or if someone you know could benefit from AcryliGuards™, please share this with them! We'd be honored to work with anyone who is in need of some added protection as they continue to work to keep our country going.
From our family to yours, please stay safe and healthy! Thank you for your continued support!
- Marisa Hilts, PicFoams.com